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Definitions

nitty-gritty

[nit-ee-grit-ee] / ˈnɪt iˈgrɪt i /
NOUN
basic facts
Synonyms
STRONG
basics core essence focus fundamentals gist heart kernel meat quintessence reality root soul substance
WEAK
bottom line brass tacks chief part chief thing cold fact essential details essential part hard fact heart of the matter important matter meat and potatoes name of the game nuts and bolts the facts the name of the game
Antonyms
STRONG
exterior exteriority outside surface

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Keep the nitty-gritty of your plans to your financial manager and attorney — but explain the spirit of the plans to your kids.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

That meant the type of nitty-gritty negotiations needed to hash out potential structural changes to the sport never got off the ground.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

But when you actually get into the nitty-gritty, it’s a long time ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

“Democrats have got to turn the focus and start to appreciate those that are all around this country, that are doing the nitty-gritty day-to-day work, that don’t have all the money,” Bush said.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2025

The nitty-gritty factual stuff was his specialty, not mine.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.